Wireless is becoming a household word. It can provide network connections between your PDA and laptop or between multiple office computers. It can offer Internet access to numerous devices and can be implemented where standard cabling can not be used. In other words, wireless provides another choice, as opposed to none at all.

Wireless is simply a high-frequency radio wave. The technology involves different standards that provide different ranges and speeds. Some larger wireless networks use Access Points to direct a signal down a hallway or to another building. And if not installed correctly, right out your window and down the street.

There are several wireless standards already available for different situations and needs. And the technology is quickly developing and expanding to help penetrate hidden obstructions, increase speeds, and incorporate more security.

Wi-Fi:    refers to any 802.11 compliant wireless network, which operates in the 5GHz frequency waveband. Bandwidth can reach 54Mbps, support multiple users and can reach a range of 50 to 100 meters.
    
     802.11b - has a maximum speed of 11Mbps and can reach up to 120moutdoors and operates in the 2.4GHz band

     802.11a - operates at 5GHz, reaches speeds up to 54Mbps and has an outdoor range up to 30m. A and B are not compatible, unless you utilize a "Dual-Mode" device, which supports both frequencies.

     802.11g - operates at the 2.4GHz band of "B" and matches the speed of 54Mbps on "A". The frequency allows for compatibility with "B".

Congestion
With more and more technology gadgets going wireless (e.g. phones, routers, printers, keyboards, music systems, etc...) it's a wonder anything works. At lot of these conveniences run on the same frequencies.

And if you have ever used a wireless laptop, multiple wireless networks will appear all around.

Riverview may not be able to control what surrounds your business, but we can control the equipment and to some extent the environment where a wireless network would be installed.

Security...
If you only use your computer to surf the web, then security is not so important. But if your computer has information on it regarding your business, financial records or personal data, then security is a must.

Most wireless networks are simply setup with default passwords, if that. Riverview believes in putting in place more than one security setting. The purpose being, that most 'road warriors' (people hooking into someone else's wireless internet connection) won't take the time to hack through more than one security wall.

Would you like to know if your wireless configuration is secure? Ask us and we will see if or how easy it is to access your network and then offer you solutions to improve your security.